32. The Cookout
Chapter thirty-two
The Cookout
Lei
Will Smith's "Summertime" blasted from the speakers which was an odd choice considering that it was very much the fall.
Yet somehow it fit the vibe of the day.
Moni and I sat at the Judge's table.
Also judging, Jo was on Moni’s left, telling her all about her new job at the South’s comic book store.
Chen lounged on my right more relaxed than I’d seen him in a while.
Duck had told me that he’d gotten some green gummies from Jo on their little joy ride in the East. After our Diamond Syndicate meeting, Duck had given Chen a gummy.
I just didn’t think Duck explained to Chen that there was weed in those gummies.
This will be interesting indeed.
I checked out the rest of the judge’s table.
Chloe was on Chen’s right chatting it up with Aunt Suzi. I had no idea what they were talking about, but they had not stopped since we sat down. And every few minutes there was this boisterous laugh from the both of them that made me want to figure out the topic of conversation.
But more important, what really caught me by surprise with them was the fact that Chloe now wore a sparkling blue gown and tiara that pretty much matched Aunt Suzi’s get up.
Well. . .they’re now best friends. And I’ve got one of Moni’s sisters wearing blue before the end of the night. I’m counting that as a win.
Aunt Suzi snapped her fingers and yelled, “Yas, Queen!”
What? Why did she say that?
Chuckling, Chloe's face lit up with a smile and her gestures became more animated as she broke down some story to Aunt Suzi who was absolutely captivated. Her eyes were wide open and she had a big, delighted smile on her face.
Okay. That’s perfect.
And then right at the end of the table, Dima, Rose and Barbara Whiskers hung out.
We’d added Dima and Rose as the last set of judges, mostly because Banks argued they might be the only ones at the table who could be truly impartial. And TT refused to participate in judging. She wanted to solve her puzzle in her room.
I could tell Moni wanted her to spend time out at the cookout, but she gave in. Next Aunt Min left five of her trusted female guards to watch TT.
Either way, I couldn’t help but stare at our new judges—Dima and Rose. Even more, I had to admit that they were striking together and appeared absolutely happy and joyously lost in their own world.
Hmmm.
Dima leaned in to whisper something to Rose and she laughed.
Then, without a care for who was watching, he tilted her chin up and kissed her softly.
I blinked.
It was a tender, unhurried kiss that made it clear how much he adored her.
Wow. Dima is in love? Dima?
My heart ached a little realizing that Romeo and Chanel would never see this.
Meanwhile, Rose responded to that kiss by falling into it and resting her hand on his chest.
Well I think the reporter actually is falling for him too. This. . .relationship may be longer than I thought. Would he marry her?
I looked down at the cat, Barbara Whiskers and smiled.
She lounged on the table as if she were the real judge here. She even had her own little plate set up in front of her. It was clear Dima had planned to feed her some of the food entries, as if this whole event were as much for her enjoyment as it was for theirs.
Dima. . .with a girlfriend and a cat. I guess now anything is possible.
Completely stunned, I checked out Barbara Whiskers some more. The cat seemed completely at ease. Her eyes were half-closed, although she was still on full alert. And she had her tail lazily rising and then falling back onto the table.
A long, calming sigh left Chen.
I put my view on him.
Chen leaned back in his chair and wore a silly smile on his face. “It’s such a lovely day. Don’t you think so, cousin?”
I eyed him. “I do.”
“Look at the sky.”
“What?”
“Look at that amazing sky above us.”
“Uh. . .” I lifted my view. “O-kay.”
“God made that sky.”
I held in my laughter.
That’s right. He is high.
Chen pointed up like I couldn’t see the damn sky above us. “That’s a beautiful sky. It really is.”
I swallowed down my chuckle and nodded. “I agree, Chen.”
“We don’t look at the sky enough.”
“We don’t.” I signaled for the waitress.
When she hurried over to the judge’s table, I pointed at Chen and kept my voice low. “Get him a large glass of water please and a plate of food.”
“Yes, Mountain Master.” She left.
Chen continued to gaze at the clouds. I didn’t even think he realized that a waitress had even came by. Chen let out another sigh. “I’m going to write a poem about the sky today. I think I will call it. . .”
I watched him. “Yeah?”
“I think I will call it. . .”
I quirked my brows.
“Sky. That’s the title.”
I grinned. “I think that is a unique name.”
“I was thinking that too.” Chen rubbed his face with both hands. “I feel a little odd right now, but I think it is. . .the day maybe. . .or the sky. . .or this cookout. It’s calming me.”
Yep. He’s messed up.
I patted his back. “Don’t worry about it. Just sit back, relax, and look at the sky.”
“Are you sure?” Chen turned my way and held his head at this awkwardly low angle so much so that his glasses began to slide to the tip of his nose. “You don’t need me?”
“No. I don’t. Take off.”
“Take. . .off. . .” Chen considered this for a moment and then let out a goofy kind of chuckle that reminded me of him when we were kids. “I guess I could take off right now. It’s a cookout. You don’t need me to deputy.”
“Exactly.”
“Or should I say. . .deputize?”
“I. . .uh. . .I get what you’re saying.”
“Deputization. Is that the verb? You don’t need me to deputize today. No. That can’t be right.”
“Don’t worry about the verb. You should return to the sky poem.”
“I should.” Chen let out another goofy chuckle. “I very much would like to write that poem today.”
“Go ahead.”
"Are you sure?" he asked again and gazed up at the sky.
"Positive."
“Hi, Sky.”
I blinked.
“Hi, Sky.” Chen laughed again. "That rhymes. . .maybe that's how the poem should start. . .Hi, Sky."
His words drifted off and he visibly relaxed even more. His head tilted back, letting his glasses slide off entirely and his gaze locked onto the clear blue expanse above us.
The waitress arrived with his water and food but he paid it no mind, utterly entranced by the sky.
Moni leaned my way. “Is Chen, okay?”
“Apparently, Duck got some gummies from your sister—”
“Oh no. Not Jo. Right?”
“Yes.”
Moni covered her mouth. “Does he know that they’re not just gummies?”
“No.” I shook my head and whispered, “And don’t tell him. He doesn’t like to be high and when Chen knows he is, he turns into an asylum patient, racing around the place and freaking out. It’s not a pretty sight.”
“Alright. We don’t need that.” Moni laughed as Chen pointed to a cloud and began mumbling to himself. “But in the meantime, I’m getting a freaking gummy from Jo. I didn’t know she had any.”
I nodded. “Get me one too. We should all relax today.”
Moni turned to her sister and began whispering.
Jo loudly laughed and checked Chen, then laughed some more. “Eh. Don’t trip on me. I told Goose to only do half, man.”
Moni hit her arm. “His name is Duck, not Goose.”
“But they’re both birds.”
“Girl, give me two of those gummies. One for me and one for Lei.”
“Naw, sis. I’m telling you that you only need half . They’re strong as hell. Split it with Lei.”
“Cool.”
Jo must have given it to her because a minute later, Moni placed half of a lime green gummy in my hand. And in that moment, I no longer felt like the Mountain Master. I more felt like a kid at school having a naughty good time.
God. . .this cookout was a great idea.
I popped the gummy in my mouth and my taste buds exploded with a burst of fruity sweetness.
To my surprise, Jo leaned over and pointed at me. “Now just be cool and keep drinking water and get a little food in your stomach.”
“Okay.”
“And then let it do what it do.”
I smiled. “Thank you.”
“If there’s any problems, come to me.” Jo touched her chest. “I’m good at getting people down from a bad trip.”
I blinked. “Thank you again. I will come to you if I need to.”
Jo winked, leaned back in her chair and returned to talking to Moni.
She likes me now?
I tried not to get too excited.
“Alright, alright!” DJ Hendrix's voice boomed over the speakers, “How’s everyone feeling today?! We got the Grill Off about to start soon, but first, let’s keep this vibe going!”
I turned his way.
DJ Hendrix stood tall behind his equipment with his hands moving in fluid motion as he mixed and scratched records. “This next one is for all my 80s babies out there! We’re my 80s babies at?”
A couple of people clapped, but I couldn’t tell who.
Then, the DJ smoothly mixed in an R&B song that I didn’t recognize.
But Moni was rocking to the song and singing some of the lyrics.
I leaned her way. “What’s this?”
“Anita Baker’s ‘Sweet Love.’” She then proceeded to grab my shoulder and have us both rocking as she sung more of the lyrics.
I laughed at her enthusiasm and let myself get lost in the rhythm.
Jo also swayed to the beat and raised her cup high above her head. "To cookouts and chill vibes!"
Okay. Good. She’s having fun.
Chen whispered in my ear, “Listen to this part. Sky, you cry tears over the years, but it is just rain to us. Your sadness helps our crops grow.”
Oh God.
I bobbed my head. “Keep working on it.”
“But you like how it starts, cousin?”
“I do.”
This deliriously joyous expression hit him. “Yes. Not bad at all. This is the poem.”
I widened my eyes.
“I shall take Fen out under the moonlight tonight and recite the poem to her, but only once it is done.”
I almost told him that he shouldn’t, but I knew that when midnight came, he would be passed out in his bed. “I’m sure Fen will love it.”
Speaking of Moni’s ladies-in-waiting. . .
I scanned the space for them.
DJ Hendrix transitioned into another Every Breath You Take by The Police and Aunt Suzi was clapping along as Chloe continued to talk to her.
Where are they?
My attention drifted from the Judge’s table to the setup for the Grill Off competition.
The big stage sat in the center.
On the left side, Chef Foo was in his element, flanked by two members of his staff. He was having a great time, dancing behind the grill to the beat of the music, his hips swaying and spatula flipping burgers with a kind of effortless grace.
O-kay.
In all the years that Chef Foo had been employed at Lotus Blossom, I’d never seen the man dance.
This is a crazy fucking event.
On the right side of the stage, Banks manned his own grill, his face was set in determined concentration as he wiped sweat off his forehead and bobbed his head to the beat.
His three special guests—Sweet, Salty, and Savory—formed a trio of entertainment in front of his grill, dancing together in perfect synchronization, hips swaying and hands waving in unison.
While Rowe Street Mob barely glanced the women’s way as they enjoyed themselves.
Sweet, Salty, and Savory had grabbed a good bit of my men’s attention. Several Four Aces hung around the three women, lurking just close enough to get a good view of those hips and legs.
I really need to give everyone a few days off. They’re fucking hot and horny.
I moved my view over the rest of the area.
Aunt Min sat at a large table with her focus locked on the Mahjong game she was playing against Einstein, Hu, and Lan.
Alright. There’s one of Moni’s ladies-in-waiting.
I just hoped Hu wouldn’t be trying to snipe Lan this evening. We already had Duck going pretty hard with courting Thandi.
I assessed the Mahjong table. From the way Aunt Min’s fingers drummed lightly on the table every time she picked up a tile and the way her left eyebrow twitched ever so slightly, I knew she had a winning hand.
Those were her tells, subtle enough that most people wouldn’t notice, but I’d seen them enough times growing up to know exactly what they meant. I spotted the stack of money on the edge of the table and knew she would be pocketing most of it by the end of the night.
At the next table over, Banks's mother was engrossed in a game of Spades. One of the women that she’d brought with her sat right across and was dealing out the cards.
They were playing against Gunner and Marcelo.
Once Marcelo picked up all of his cards, he slid his gaze Moni’s way.
Careful, you piece of shit.
Marcelo stared at Moni longingly, not even noticing that I was watching him.
It took everything in me to remain calm, to remind myself that I’d made a decision in the library—a decision to actually listen this time, to heed Moni’s words, even if every instinct in me screamed to do the opposite.
Marcelo put his attention back on the cards and I undid the fist that I hadn’t known I’d even made.
Forget about it. I’ll get him back another way. Where’s Moni’s other two ladies-in-waiting?
I scanned the rest of the space.
The tables were filled with people laughing, talking, and playing games.
Some were sipping drinks or snacking on food, while others were focused intensely on their games.
And there even was a sort of make-shift dance floor where the orchestra had been playing before the cookout began. Now it was packed with tons of people over there dancing together and to my utter shock it was a mixed sea of green and blue.
No one was fighting or glaring at each other.
Instead, a few of the Four Aces appeared to be. . .having some sort of dance off with Rowe Street Mob members.
How many gummies did Jo give out to people?
Then, the speakers pulsed with the smooth sounds of Marvin Gaye’s “Sexual Healing,” minutes later it transitioned effortlessly into Michael Jackson’s “Rock With You” and then right into Montel Jordan’s “This is How We Do It.”
Soon the DJ went right into Hip Hop, moving toward new releases.
The beats were so well-mixed that the crowd didn’t miss a step, dancing along as if the songs had always been meant to flow together. The bass thumped through the ground beneath us, making it impossible even for me to not tap my foot or nod my head to the rhythm.
Or maybe the gummy’s effects are happening.
“DJ Hendrix in the house!”
I blinked and turned my view back to the DJ.
“Y’all know how we do!” DJ Hendrix waved his hands in the air with the beat. “We’re taking you back, way back, but with a twist. And don’t think I forgot about my people who love a little something different! We’re bringing in some flavor from the East!”
With that, he spun the track, and suddenly, Teresa Teng’s The Moon Represents My Heart flowed through the speakers.
Moni gazed at me completely confused but rocking her head as the singer belted out Chinese lyrics.
All I could do was laugh.
Everyone on that dance floor continued to dance to the haunting melody.
Yeah. I must be high now.
I also could admit that the transition was smooth, almost seamless and the crowd reacted with surprised cheers and applause, especially from the Four Aces side.
I glanced at Aunt Suzi, who was now swaying to the music.
When DJ Hendrix transitioned from Teresa Teng into Leslie Cheung’s “Monica,” she opened her eyes and rocked even harder, a wide smile on her face.
“Yes! That’s my jam!” Aunt Suzi yelled out, pumping her fist in the air.
Chloe giggled beside her, clearly amused.
And all I could do is stare at my aunt in disbelief.
She must have bullied the DJ pretty good. Or. . .was he prepared and had already put together a good track list?
DJ Hendrix wasn’t done yet. “We’re not stopping! We’re bringing the old school and the new school together. Who’s ready for the Grill Off?!”
The crowd responded with loud cheers, people clapping and shouting.
“And remember, folks,” DJ Hendrix continued, “I’m gonna be down in the South this weekend, at the Emerald Hammer, bringing this same energy! So if you think this is good, you better come check it out. DJ Hendrix, spinning all night long, making sure you feel it in your soul!”
Aunt Suzi let out another cheer, louder this time. “I’ll be there, DJ Hendrix!”
It is the South. No. You will not.
DJ Hendrix laughed. “You heard it, y’all! Aunt Suzi’s gonna be there and you should be there too! This weekend, at the Emerald Hammer! Don’t miss it!”
So Aunt Suzi and him are friends now. Awesome.
Every party in the East would now feature this DJ. My aunt couldn’t help but adopt people.
The DJ continued with mixes of familiar R&B hits merged with classic Chinese ballads creating a unique atmosphere that had everyone buzzing with excitement.
Moni was laughing beside me, her eyes bright as she watched the crowd enjoying themselves.
Even I couldn’t help but feel the infectious energy. As much as I had on my mind, as much as I was trying to keep my cool with what would need to happen tomorrow, it was hard not to be caught up in the moment.
Goddamn it. I needed this.
DJ Hendrix’s voice cut through the music again. “Alright, alright! It’s about that time! Get ready for the best Grill Off you’ve ever seen! We’ve got Chef Foo on one side, Bad Boy Banks on the other! Who’s gonna take the crown? Stay tuned, folks, because it’s about to get heated !”
The crowd roared.
I glanced over at the grills, watching as Chef Foo and Banks prepared to face off. They looked like two boxers gearing up for a championship.
Aunt Suzi was still rocking in her seat, clearly enjoying the energy DJ Hendrix had brought to the day.
As I scanned the crowd, something caught my eye.
Near the bar, I spotted Duck and Thandi. They were dancing together too. Thandi had one hand resting on Duck’s shoulder, the other entwined with his as they moved in sync with the music.
Duck wasn’t much of a dancer, but Thandi was coaxing him into it and seeing him loosen up, even just a little, made me smile.
Good God. He is really into her.
Not far from them, Fen stood by the bar, but she wasn’t dancing. She had a drink in her hand and her eyes were fixed on the judge's table—specifically on Chen.
Oh.
In fact, she wasn’t paying attention to anything else, just watching him with a quiet, focused expression.
And the way she looked at Chen, it was like he was the only person in the world.
Hmmm. My cousin may have a chance with her.
That made my heart warm.
I gazed at Chen.
He was still looking at the sky. And all I could think about was that the silly bastard should have fun today. Only God knew what sort of horrors we would face tomorrow.
I returned to looking Fen’s way and waved at her until I caught Fen’s eye.
She looked a little surprised and then touched her chest.
I bobbed my head.
Yes. You.
And then I gestured for her to come over.
As Fen approached, I flagged down a waiter.
He came over. “Yes, Mountain Master.”
“Bring another chair, please. I’m adding a judge.”
The waiter nodded and hurried off to find a chair.
Moni glanced my way. “What are you over there doing, Lei?”
I whispered, “Playing Cupid.”
“With whom?”
“Fen and Chen.”
“That’s an interesting pair.”
“Let’s see.”
“Alright, Lei, but don’t get all of my ladies-in-waiting pregnant.”
I laughed and then paused realizing that. . .the situation could actually fucking happen.
Hu and Lan. Fen and Chen. Duck and Thandi. Oh no.
It freaked me out as I imagined all these babies around the same age that we would have to take care of.
My heart boomed in my ears.
We’re not ready. . .
I began to clench and unclench my fingers.
No. It can’t happen. This would be chaos.
Duck should not be anyone’s father.
Chen well. . .he might have a heart attack before the baby was even born leaving me to have to help raise his son.
And Hu—
“Baby,” Moni studied me and placed her hand on my arm. “You look terrified. Is everything okay?”
“Maybe I shouldn’t have Fen come over here. Maybe, Duck shouldn’t get the dinner reservation either for Thandi.”
“What reservation?”
“It would be too many kids. I can’t be a father just yet and raise Chen’s child because he’s dead. What will I tell his son—”
“Lei.” She squeezed my arm.
“Yes?”
She gave me a sad smile. “You’re high, baby. Very high.”
I considered that for a minute and rubbed my eyes. “No. . .”
“Yes.”
I cleared my mind and focused on my body. And that’s when, I noticed the light buzz—that subtle warmth spreading through my chest and head.
Damn. That sneaked up on me pretty quick.
It was then that Jo leaned forward and chuckled. “Oh yeah. Mountain Master is feeling that shit. Look at his face like he’s on Mars and just discovered water.”
Moni chuckled. “Leave my baby alone.”
The laughter, the music, the chatter of the crowd—became a little sharper, more vibrant. The colors seemed a bit brighter and I could feel the bass from the music thumping through my chest like a second heartbeat.
I turned back to Moni. “Maybe, I am high.”
“You are. Your eyes are popped open.”
“Yeah?”
“Yes.”
I looked at Moni and Jo and held out my hands. “Everything feels good, maybe too good, like the world has been dialed up a notch and I am just along for the ride, cruising toward. . .destiny.”
“O-kay.” She chuckled.
“Eh Yo.” Jo hit the table and started laughing. “Bro turns into a philosopher when he gets high.”
Moni smiled. “We’re going to get you some water, baby.”
I gazed up at the sky and my God it was fucking breathtaking—a stunning canvas as the sun set. “Yeah. . .I might need water.”
I leaned back in my chair and now I understood, in that moment, why Chen had been so fascinated by the sky earlier. There was something about it—so peaceful, so vast—that made everything else seem small and far away.
I turned my head to look at Moni and it felt like I was seeing her for the first time. “You’re. . .you’re beautiful, you know that?”
"Thank you, Lei. You’re quite handsome too.”
“I’m going to marry you one day.”
“Uh. . .okay.”
“Big diamond ring.”
Moni laughed.
“Lots of kids.”
She widened her eyes. “Okay. We really need to get you some water.”
Fen reached us just as the waiter returned, placing the chair next to me and making a surprised Chen scoot over.
“What’s going on?” Chen spotted Fen and looked terrified and pleased all at the same time. “Oh.”
I pointed at the now empty chair next to me. “Sit, Fen. We could use another perspective here. You’ll probably judge the food better than us.”
Fen grinned. “Thank you, Mountain Master.”
When she lowered into it, I leaned in closer and whispered, “By the way, Duck accidentally got Chen high.”
“Oh no. That’s why he has been looking up the whole time?”
“Yes, but don’t tell Chen. Anyway. . .I was hoping you could keep an eye on him, maybe take care of him if he needs it.”
Fen’s eyes widened in surprise, but she quickly composed herself. “Of course. I’d be happy to help.”
Then I leaned forward as Chen watched us.
Fen turned his way.
Chen gave her that goofy grin and then screamed, “Fen!”
Oh God.
Fen laughed. “Hey, Chen.”
Just then, DJ Hendrix lowered the music. "Ladies and Gentlemen!"
The crowd quieted down.
"It's the moment that we have all been waiting for!” DJ Hendrix shifted to Nelly’s “Hot in Here.”
A cheer erupted from the crowd.
"Get ready for Chef Foo versus Banks, the sizzle of the century!" DJ Hendrix blared some sort of horn. “Who will win?! Stay tuned and get seated, baby. Because it is on!”